Regional News
At least 40 villagers shot dead in latest violence in Nigeria’s conflict-hit north | Africanews
Armed men attacked remote villages in northcentral Nigeria, killing at least a dozen villagers during a late-night raid, authorities said Tuesday. No group has claimed responsibility for the attack which follows a similar pattern to yearslong violence in the region blamed on the fight for control over water and land between nomadic herders and rural farmers. These raids have so far killed hundreds in the region.
Boko Haram rescues hundreds of hostages | Africanews
Hundreds of hostages, mostly children and women, who were held captive for months, some years, by Boko Haram extremists in northeastern Nigeria have been rescued from a forest enclave and handed over to authorities, the army said. The 350 hostages had been held in the Sambisa Forest, a hideout for the extremist group which launched an insurgency in 2009, Maj. Gen. Ken Chigbu, a senior Nigerian army officer, said late Monday while presenting them to authorities in Borno, where the forest is.
The Nigerian military, on Monday, May 20, handed over 350 individuals who had regained freedom from insurgent groups to officials of the Borno state government in northeastern Nigeria. The army said the group, which includes six men, 135 women, and 209 children, was recently freed from the Sambisa Forest during a 10-day military clearance operation.
Bandits in military uniform abduct 20 in Abuja – Daily Trust
Gunmen in military uniform numbering about 50 have raided Dawaki community in Abuja, and abducted at least 20 people, Daily Trust reports. Witnesses said it was yet another daring onslaught by the attackers, who they variously described as bandits, armed robbers, terrorists, among other names.
Chad PM resigns after interim president wins disputed May 6 elections | Africanews
Chad’s prime minister and opposition leader Succes Masra has resigned following the confirmation of interim President Mahamat Idriss Deby as the winner of the May 6 presidential election. “In accordance with the constitution, I have today presented… my resignation and that of the transitional government, which has become irrelevant with the end of the presidential election of May 6, 2024, with known results” Masra said on X (Twitter) on Wednesday, May 22.
Plateau attack: Fresh corpses recovered as soldiers take over community – Daily Trust
The death toll from the attack on Zurak village in Wase local government area of Plateau State has risen to 56. Daily Trust had reported how bandits attacked the community, killing 50, injuring many and burning down houses.
Delegates advocate for universal clean cooking at Energy Conference | Africanews
Participants at a global conference on how to reduce the world’s energy use are calling for universal access to clean cooking through government incentives and subsidies to unlock more private sector funds. The Paris-based International Energy Agency’s 9th annual conference on energy efficiency brings together ministers, CEOs and thought leaders from around the world to discuss how to speed up progress on energy efficiency, which experts say can drastically reduce planet-warming emissions.
Generator fumes kill seven university students in Nigeria | Africanews
Some seven individuals believed to be university undergraduates have lost their lives after allegedly inhaling fumes from a generator inside a music studio on Transformer Road, Ebis, in the Amarata area of Yenagoa, Bayelsa state. According to local media reports, the victims were working in the recording studio owned by one of the victims identified as Akpos Reuben Braokubo, when the tragic incident happened on Tuesday morning, May 21.
Mali court jails professor for criticizing government | Africanews
A court in Mali has sentenced economist Etienne Fakaba Sissoko to two years in prison, with one year suspended, for criticizing the military junta in his book. Sissoko’s lawyer, Ibrahim Marhouf Sacko, announced the verdict and plans to appeal. Sissoko, a professor at the University of Bamako, faced charges of harming the state’s reputation, defamation, and spreading misinformation for his 2023 book on government communication during Mali’s transition.
300 Nigerian Hostages Freed By Cameroonian Army – Journal du Cameroun
Hundreds of people were rescued by the BIR‘s operation Alpha, which was deployed from the Logone et Chari division in Cameroon to Dabanga in Nigeria. 191 children, 99 women and 10 men of Nigerian nationality are now free. They had been kidnapped by Boko Haram jihadists and held in their camps.
Kano mosque attack: Death toll of worshippers hits 15 – Vanguard News (vanguardngr.com)
Death toll of worshippers from Wednesday’s arson attack launched by a 38-year-old Shafi’u Abubakar on a mosque at Gezawa area of Kano State has risen to 15.
ECOWAS parliament members visit Kano schools for sensitisation – Daily Trust
Members of the Sixth Legislature of the Parliament of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) yesterday paid sensitisation visits to two schools in Kano State as part of the activities for the Second Extraordinary Session of the parliament, held in Kano. The delegation, led by the Deputy President of the Senate and Acting Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament, Senator Barau I. Jibrin, visited Aliyu Saidu Bebeji Government Arabic Secondary School and Maryam Abacha American University of Nigeria (MAAUN).
Federal Projects: Our region has been abandoned – North East govs – Daily Trust
North East Governors’ Forum has reiterated its concern over the seeming neglect of the region in the allocation of Federal Government Capital Projects. In a communique issued at the end of 10th Meeting of the forum held in Bauchi, Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State, who is the Chairman, said the region is also not included in the National Infrastructure Plan for the transition from PMS to Compressed Gas
Life expectancy rate in Nigeria increased in 2022- NBS – Daily Trust
The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), says there has been an upward trend in the life expectancy of both males and females from 2020 to 2022. This is according to the NBS Statistical Report on Women and Men in Nigeria 2022 released in Abuja on Wednesday.
Chad confirms Mahamat Idriss Déby as president | Africanews
On Thursday, May 16, the Constitutional Council of Chad confirmed Mahamat Idriss Déby as the country’s president with 61% of the vote, far ahead of his rivals Succès Masra and Albert Pahimi Padacké. Mahamat Idriss Déby was declared the winner after the Council reviewed and reaffirmed vote counts, despite minor adjustments. Déby won with 61.03%, followed by his Prime Minister with 18.54%, and Padacké with 16.93%. Voter turnout was 75.78%.
Gunmen kill 2 soldiers in Abia – Daily Trust
The governor of Abia State, Dr Alex Otti has expressed condolences to the Nigerian Army following the tragic death of two soldiers in an attack by unknown gunmen, which also claimed the life of a Keke operator. It was gathered that the soldiers stationed at an outpost in Aba, Abia State successfully repelled the attack.
Tuition: Nigerian students blocked from studies, ordered to leave UK – Daily Trust
Some Nigerian students have been thrown off university courses and ordered to leave the UK after a currency crisis left them struggling to pay tuition fees on time. The Teesside University students were blocked from their studies and reported to the Home Office after the value of Nigeria’s naira plummeted, wiping out their savings, reports the BBC.
FG to review basic education curriculum – Daily Trust
The Federal Government says it has initiated a comprehensive review of the basic education curriculum, to ensure it aligns with the evolving needs of the country and global standards. The Minister of State for Education, Dr Yusuf Sununu, announced this during the opening of a five-day workshop on the review of the syllabus of technical examination in Abuja on Wednesday.
ISWAP fighters kill DPO in Borno – Daily Trust
Suspected members of the Islamic State of West Africa Province(ISWAP) have killed a senior police officer in the northern part of Borno State. Daily Trust learnt ISWAP sneaked into New Marte at about 7:30pm on Monday and attacked a health worker who fortunately escaped.
Abuja abduction: 9 residents still missing – Relatives – Daily Trust
Nine of the about 20 people abducted from Dawaki community in the Bwari Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory FCT are still missing, families of the victims told the Daily Trust Tuesday. But the FCT Police Command said the claims were not true, insisting that only eight people were abducted and all of them have been rescued.
Another Chinese expatriate ‘kills’ Nigerian who rejected love advances – Daily Trust
Ocheze Ogbonna, a female crane operator at Inner Galaxy Steel Company, Umuahala-Obuzor in Ukwa West Local Government Area of Abia State, has been allegedly killed by a Chinese national who wanted to be in a relationship with her.
According to the member representing Ukwa East/Ukwa West Federal Constituency of Abia State in the House of Representatives, Chris Nkwonta, Ogbonna died after the Chinese expatriate working at the Inner Galaxy Steel Company located in Umuahala-Obuzor pushed her down from the crane for rejecting his love advances.
Sokoto trafficked kids: Group faults delay in suspects’ prosecution – Daily Trust
The Network Against Child Trafficking, Abuse and Labour (NACTAL) has raised the alarm over the delay in the prosecution of the two women arrested in connection with the trafficking of five children from Sokoto. The suspects who were intercepted and arrested in Abuja on April, 27,2024 were brought to the Sokoto Police Command for investigation and prosecution.
NEMA warns against blocking waterways – Daily Trust
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has advised residents of Edo, Delta and Bayelsa states against blocking drains and waterways to avoid flooding. The NEMA Head of Benin Operations Office in charge of Edo, Bayelsa and Delta, Dahiru Yusuf, who gave the advice while speaking with journalists in Benin, said it became necessary as the nation was going towards the peak of the rainy season.
Terrorists operating in the Sabon Birni Local Government Area of Sokoto State, North West Nigeria, stormed Takalmawa village in the early hours of Wednesday, May 22, killing four residents and abducting 17 others in a well-coordinated attack that sent shockwaves to neighbouring communities.
DPO Pius Sunday, Marte Local Government Area’s divisional police officer, was killed on Monday while trying to avert a kidnap attempt by ISWAP terrorists. The deceased DPO sustained gunshot wounds that eventually caused his death.
Army dismisses 6 soldiers, sanctions 2 – Daily Trust
The 3 Division of the Nigerian Army, Rukuba, near Jos, on Thursday, dismissed and jailed four of its personnel, and sanctioned four others for committing various offenses. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that soldiers were dismissed and sanctioned accordingly by the General Court Martial of the division.
Reps panel asks NEDC to invest more in roads, agriculture – Daily Trust
The House of Representatives Committee on Northeast Development Commission (NEDC) has called for more investment in roads and agriculture to ameliorate the suffering of victims of the Boko Haram insurgency in the northeast. The chairman of the committee, Usman Zannah made the call during an oversight visit to examine and evaluate projects executed by the commission in Borno State.
Peace and Security
Escalating Violence In Sahel As JNIM Claims Rising Jihadi Operations – HumAngle (humanglemedia.com)
As violence continues to escalate in the Sahel region of Africa, Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal Muslimeen (JNIM) has been intensifying its campaign of terror, particularly in the Central Sahel, which comprises Mali, Burkina Faso, and the Niger Republic. Newly released data by the group detailing their operations for the Islamic month of Shawwal 1445 H, corresponding to April and May 2024, provides a snapshot of the violence that has gripped the region.
B/Faso, Mali, Niger form new regional alliance – Daily Trust
Junta-run Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger have finalised plans to form a confederation after turning their backs on former colonial ruler France to seek closer ties with Russia. Their foreign ministers met Friday in Niger’s capital Niamey to agree on a text establishing the Confederation of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES).
Boko Haram: Review deradicalisation programme – Daily Trust
When the deradicalisation exercise of ex-Boko Haram members started, it generated a lot of controversy. The idea started as part of Nigeria’s Operation Safe Corridor, aimed at facilitating the rehabilitation of ex-insurgents and reintegrating them back into the society. The initiative was first proposed at the Nigerian National Security Council meeting in September 2015, after which repentant Boko Haram members were encouraged to surrender and embrace peace.
Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger will soon rescind decision to leave ECOWAS – Ndume – Daily Trust A Nigerian Senator, Ali Ndume, who is also a member of the ECOWAS Parliament, has expressed optimism that Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger Republic will soon rescind their decision to leave the regional bloc. Senator Ndume, one of the longest-serving members of the ECOWAS parliament, stated this in an interview with journalists on the sideline of the ongoing ECOWAS Parliament Extraordinary session taking place in Kano, North West Nigeria.
Senate rejects fresh move to create grazing routes – Daily Trust
The Senate, on Tuesday, rejected fresh moves to create grazing routes for cattle rearers in the country.
The upper chamber also resolved to raise an ad-hoc committee to organise a national summit to probe the lingering issue of farmers/herders’ clashes in the country and come up with recommendations for further legislative action.
Tinubu off to Chad for Inauguration of President Déby – Daily Trust
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will, on Thursday, depart Abuja for N’Djamena, capital of Chad, to attend the inauguration of President Mahamat Déby. Ajuri Ngelale, Special Adviser to the President Media and Publicity in a statement said the inauguration of President Déby follows his declaration as the winner of the country’s presidential election earlier this month and subsequent affirmation by the Constitutional Court of Chad.
Nigeria To Enhance Diplomatic Relations Through Korea/Africa Summit – Minister – Daily Trust The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb Yusuf Tuggar, has listed ways through which the Korea/Africa Summit 2024 can benefit Nigeria. He spoke Tuesday in Abuja while declaring open a seminar on Nigeria/Korea relations leading to the Korea/Africa Summit, billed for June in Seoul, South Korea.
Curfew in Borno village as ISWAP terrorists kill DPO – Daily Trust
Residents of New Marte are now under curfew after a Superintendent of Police was killed by suspected Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists in the Marte LGA, Borno State, on Monday night. It was gathered that the ISWAP fighters sneaked into New Marte and ambushed the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) and his team, resulting in the officer’s death.
Katsina: Farmers, herders pledge peace ahead of farming season – Daily Trust
Leaders from the Fulani and Hausa communities in Danmusa Local Government Area (LGA) of Katsina State have committed to maintaining peaceful coexistence as the farming season approaches. The commitment came after a multi-stakeholder community dialogue organised by Mercy Corps, an international NGO, as part of the Conflict Mitigation and Community Reconciliation (CMCR) project funded by the European Union in Northwest Nigeria.
Insecurity: Allow traditional rulers to breathe, politicians urged – Daily Trust
The Olowu of Owu Kuta in Osun State, Oba Hameed Oyelude, Tuesday called on political leaders to give traditional rulers the space they need to effectively fulfil their roles in addressing insecurity within their territories. Speaking at a 5-day seminar and retreat for traditional rulers in the South West organized by the Tukur Buratai Research Centre (TBRC) in Kaduna, Oba Oyelude emphasized the historical role of traditional rulers in bolstering national security.
How communities can fight prevalence of illicit drugs – Daily Trust
Drug abuse, the specter haunting our communities, knows no bounds of age, gender or economic standing. It is an equal opportunity destroyer, lurking in the shadows, waiting to ensnare the unsuspecting and vulnerable. Among the most susceptible are our adolescents and young adults, tethering on the brink of experimentation, navigating the tumultuous waters of peer influence and societal pressures.
‘We are not culpable’, Chinese company breaks silence on death of Abia lady – Daily Trust
Inner Galaxy Steel Company, Umuahala-Obuzor in Ukwa West Local Government Area of Abia State, has reacted to the death of Miss Ocheze Ogbonna, one of its staff who worked as a crane operator. Ogbonna was allegedly killed by a Chinese national who wanted to be in a relationship with her.
Tinubu mourns victims of Kano mosque arson – Daily Trust
President Bola Tinubu has sent his condolences to the government and people of Kano State over the fire incident that claimed the lives of some worshippers at a mosque at Larabar Abasawa in Gezawa Local Government Area of the state.
Ajuri Ngelale, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity in a statement in Abuja on Tuesday condemned the act and prayed for the quick recovery of those wounded in the incident.
Abandoned farm settlements now hideout for bandits, kidnappers – FUNAAB VC – Daily Trust Abandoned farm settlements scattered across the country now serve as hideouts and safe havens for kidnappers and bandits. Vice Chancellor, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), Prof Olusola Kehinde, said this during the maiden agricultural summit of Al-Hikmah University, Ilọrin.
Nigeria, Benin Republic move to deepen trade ties – Daily Trust
Nigerian officials, led by Foreign Affairs Minister Yusuf Tuggar on the directive of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, held discussions with high-level delegations from the Benin Republic on Tuesday. The meeting aimed to enhance free trade, commerce, and bilateral relations between Nigeria and the Benin Republic.
NIGERIA DAILY: Is The Nigerian Military Losing Its Esteem? – Daily Trust
The Nigerian military commanded an aura of fear, respect, and authority – soldiers were synonymous with discipline, order, and national pride. However, over the years, this perception has shifted significantly – the respect once accorded to the military seems to be waning.
Benin grants temporary authorization for export of Nigerien oil | Africanews
On May 15, President Patrice Talon met with the Director General of CNPC, the Chinese company handling the Benin-Niger export pipeline. Following the meeting, Benin’s Energy Minister announced that Benin has granted temporary and provisional authorization for the first ship to load Nigerian oil at the Sèmè platform. This decision came after a request from Nigerien customs to participate in the loading operations.
Obasanjo reiterates call for Afrocentric democracy – Daily Trust
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has reiterated that the way out of the challenges confronting Africa is to re-examine the model of democracy passed on by their colonial masters. Obasanjo stated this during his keynote address at the Summit on the State of Democracy in Africa on Wednesday in Abuja.
Shettima tasks religious leaders on interfaith harmony – Daily Trust
Vice President Kashim Shettima has reaffirmed the resolve of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration to uphold religious freedom and tasked religious leaders to always uphold interfaith harmony. The vice president said regardless of anyone’s position, the place of faith in the nation is not only critical but provides a framework for comfort among citizens and for the stability of the nation at large.
100 Niger orphans’ marriage: FOMWAN tackles minister – Daily Trust
The Federation of Muslim Women Associations of Nigeria (FOMWAN) has berated the Minister for Women Affairs and Social Development, Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye, for her stance on the arrangements for the sponsored marriage of 100 orphans in Niger State. The Ameerah (leader) FOMWAN, Niger State chapter, Hajiya Maryam Sani, said this on Tuesday in a statement.
Army holds peace summit to foster harmony between farmers, herders – Daily Trust
Operation Safe Haven, a multi-security task force dedicated to maintaining peace in Plateau and parts of Bauchi and Kaduna states, weekend organised a peace summit for farmers and herders in the Sanga Local Government Area of Kaduna.
The summit aimed to ensure a smooth farming season as agricultural activities commence.
The National Defence College (NDC) has said that there is a need to increase the representation of women in the military and other security agencies in order to have effective outcomes from operations.
The Commandant of NDC, Rear Adm Olumuyiwa Olotu, canvassed this during the opening session of a two-day workshop on “Promotion of Women’s Network/Association in the Security Sector” organised by the college.
Culture, religion threats to women participation in politics —Ganduje – Daily Trust
The National Chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, has identified culture and religion as some of the factors impeding massive women participation in Nigerian politics. Ganduje spoke on Wednesday at the APC national secretariat in Abuja, when he received wife of the Vice President, Hajiya Nana Shettima, who visited alongside wives of prominent politicians to empower women in the party.
North East states groan over acute water shortage – Daily Trust
Nigerians living in the North East are facing acute water scarcity despite the multi-billion naira budgeted by various state governments for the provision of water. While those in authority blame epileptic power supply and high cost of diesel as responsible for the problem, residents are forced to explore other sources of getting water for their daily use.
Humanitarian
Chad: Idriss Déby sworn in as president following disputed elections | Africanews
Chad’s president-elect, Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno, was sworn in on Thursday at a ceremony in the capital, N’Djamena, attended by several leaders from the region. Deby’s inauguration came a week after the constitutional council confirmed he had won the disputed 6 May election outright, with 61 per cent of the vote. He seized power three years ago after the death of his father, Idriss Déby, who had ruled Chad with an iron fist for three decades.
700 newborn babies die daily in Nigeria – Kaduna gov – Daily Trust
Kaduna State governor, Uba Sani, said estimated 700 babies die every day in the country, underscoring the urgent challenge of high maternal and child mortality rates in Nigeria. He stated this yesterday while commissioning a newly built Pressure Swing Adsorption (PSA) oxygen plant and Neonatal Unit at Yusuf Dantsoho Memorial Hospital, aimed at reducing the state’s contribution to neonatal mortality.
Cervical cancer: UNICEF targets 90% HPV vaccination by December – Daily Trust
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) says it is targeting vaccination of 90 percent of Nigerian girls, from age 9 to 14, against Human Papillomavirus (HPV) by December 2024. This is just as the second phase of the HPV vaccination of teenage girls would commence in other SouthWest states of Ekiti, Ondo and Oyo on May 27.
Teacher bags 15 years imprisonment for raping minor in 1999 – Daily Trust
An Ekiti State High Court has sentenced 45-year-old Alabi Oluwafemi to 15 years imprisonment for raping an eight-year-old minor in 1999. According to the charge, Oluwafemi sometime in 1999 at Ikere Ekiti, did rape an eight-year-old girl.
Centre donates items to orphanage – Daily Trust
The African Centre for Leadership Strategy and Development (Centre LSD), a non-governmental organization, has extended a helping hand to the Christ Foundation Orphanage in Kuje Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory. Led by the Commissioner for Projects for LSD SET 21, Akiwale Oluwatobi Fadike, it said the initiative was aimed at fulfilling a graduation criterion for a set of over 100 students while providing support to more than 100 orphans and widows.
Abducted 2-year-old, 11 market women rescued in Kwara – Daily Trust
Security operatives have rescued a two-year-old child and 11 market women abducted around 7pm on the Ajase-Ipo road while returning to Offa from the Oke-Ode Market in Ifelodun LGA of Kwara State.
The Coordinator of the Kwara South Joint Community Security Watch, Elder Olaitan Oyin-Zubair, said, “The gallantry of hunters/vigilantes aided the rescue operation.
270 unclaimed infant corpses for mass burial in Edo – Daily Trust
The Coordinator, Mortuary Services, University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), Dr Ehizogie Egbeobauwaye Adeyemi, has disclosed that the hospital will conduct a mass burial for 270 corpses if the owners fail to claim them within the next six weeks. Speaking with journalists yesterday, Adeyemi gave the breakdown of the corpses as 201 infants and 69 adults.
Sultan links gender-based violence to non-implementation of critical policies – Daily Trust
Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar, the Sultan of Sokoto and President General of the National Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), says gender-based violence persists due to lack of implementation of critical policies and resolutions reached at conferences and town hall meetings.
He stated this on Tuesday in Abuja during a high-level gender-based prevention summit with traditional and faith leaders in Nigeria and West Africa organised by the United Nations.
Kano mosque arson renders 100 orphans, 13 widows helpless – Daily Trust
As the number of casualties in the purported Kano mosque arson committed by an aggrieved youth, 38-year-old Shafiu Abubakar, has reached 17, bereaved families of the deceased victims are holding mourning sessions of their loved ones at the Gidan Goro area of Larabar Abasawa community of Gezawa Local Government Area, Kano State. It is indeed a sad moment and a bitter experience for the people of this area as they bury loved ones in batches, from one household to another all within a neighbourhood within a week as a result of a single man’s action.
Immunisation: Africa CDC donates $3.5m cold chain equipment to Nigeria – Daily Trust
The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) has donated cold chain equipment worth $3.5 million to the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) to strengthen vaccine storage capacity and routine immunisation in the country. The materials donated include 115 solar-direct-drive refrigerators, 234 solar-driven freezers, 1,000 temperature monitoring devices, and 778 vaccine carriers.
Need for more funding to prevent epidemics – Daily Trust
Ateneh Idris, 27, lost her mother and brother to Lassa fever. The disease, which her family initially thought was malaria, ended up infecting three other members of the household but they were lucky to survive after they were referred from their hospital in Kogi State to the Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital in Edo State.
ECOWAS bloc under growing pressure [Business Africa] | Africanews
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) is facing a critical period with the challenges posed by the Alliance of Sahel States and economic instability in West Africa. Recent coups and economic sanctions have highlighted the organization’s weaknesses, exacerbating internal divisions.
Mobilization and economic development
France Ambassador, Thierry Marchand and Virginie Dagos, Director of the French Development Agency in Cameroon, visited the ongoing C2D operations in the city of Bamenda. During the visit, Minister Ketcha Courtès said: “together, we assessed the work already done and launched the structural road works entrusted to RAZEL, Buns and Mag.
Nigeria: Financial sector experts optimistic about economic recovery | Africanews
Data by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) showed that Nigeria’s financial service sector contributed N3. 8 trillion to Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in 2023, an increase of 26.5% from N3. 01 trillion in 2022. The contribution was made by top financial service providers like the United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc. The bank prides itself as Nigeria’s biggest bank which has been in existence for 75 years since its inception in 1949.
UN forecasts improved prospects for the world economy | Africanews
The United Nations on Thursday reported improved prospects for the world economy since its last forecast in January. It’s mid-2024 report points to a better outlook in the United States and several large emerging economies, including Brazil, India, and Russia. According to the report, the world economy is now projected to grow by 2.7 per cent this year, up from the 2.4 per cent it forecast in its January report – and by 2.8 per cent in 2025.
World Bank, Yobe disburse N325m non-interest loan to farmers – Daily Trust
The World Bank, in collaboration with the Agro Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscape (ACReSal) project, has disbursed N325,000,000 as community revolving fund loan to the qualified 10 piloting farming communities in Yobe State. The non-interest loan is meant to assist the communities to realize their development aspirations and enhance their means of livelihood through agro-business enterprises.
NEDC to resuscitate destroyed dams, irrigation facilities in Borno – Daily Trust
The North East Development Commission (NEDC) has expressed its commitment to revitalising all dams and irrigation facilities that were destroyed during the Boko Haram insurgency in Borno State. Mohammed Alkali, the managing director of the commission, stated this yesterday during a working visit by the management of the Chad Basin Development Authority (CBDA) to the NEDC headquarters in Maiduguri.
UK, Nigeria collaborate to enable private capital mobilisation at scale – Daily Trust
The United Kingdom Government is committed to supporting Nigeria to develop its thriving capital markets and sees its Mobilising Institutional Capital Through Listed Product Structures (MOBILIST) programme as a strong basis for collaboration with Nigeria’s financial sector.
PTDF moves to bridge professional gaps in renewable energy – Daily Trust
The Petroleum Technology Development Fund, PTDF, said its foreign overseas scholarship scheme has been refocused to bridge identified skilled gaps in renewable energy in line with its mandate to build capacity within the oil and gas industry.The General Manager of Projects, PTDF, Mrs Ifeoma Nwokike, disclosed this to Daily Trust on the sidelines of the ongoing screening of prospective candidates for its foreign scholarship scheme from the south-south geo-political zone at the Institute of Petroleum and Energy Studies, University of Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
6 pregnant women, others rescued from Abia baby factory – Daily Trust
Six pregnant women, seven young girls, one breastfeeding mother and two minors were recently rescued from a baby factory in Umunkwa village, Umuahia North LGA of Abia State. City & Crime learnt that they were rescued by the operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS).
United States-Nigeria open skies air transport pact comes into force – Daily Trust
The agreement includes provisions that allow for unrestricted capacity and frequency of services, open route rights, a liberal charter regime, and open code-sharing opportunities. According to the US government: “This agreement with Nigeria is a step forward in liberalising the international civil aviation sector in Africa and further expands our strong economic and commercial partnership, promotes people-to-people ties, and creates new opportunities for airlines, travel companies, and customers.
Restrictions on Nigerian, other African countries’ imports affecting businesses – IMF – Daily Trust The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has said restrictions placed on imports in Nigeria and other African countries are bringing challenges to business operations. The fund stated this in its Regional Economic Outlook for Sub-Saharan Africa, titled ‘A Tepid and Pricey Recovery’.
